According to data from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education (and reported by The Huffington Post), the Top 10 colleges with the most liquor-law disciplinary actions in 2012 were:

Although you may face arrest and criminal penalties for alcohol violations, it's more likely, as the chart reflects, that college students caught violating liquor laws will face disciplinary action by their school. For example, West Virginia University (WVU), the school with the most liquor-related student disciplinary actions (more than 2,400) in 2012, only saw 799 liquor-law arrests during that same time period.

Other sanctions including removal from University housing, community service, or education classes.

Just like the criminal justice system, many schools have a particular procedure in place to address student-code violations. At WVU, a complaint can be filed by students, staff, or community members who suspect a violation. That triggers an investigation that may result in charges against the student.

For charges not seeking suspension or expulsion, the complaint can be handled in an informal conference between the student and the Student Code Administrator. For charges punishable by expulsion or suspension, a student may enter into a resolution with the school, or request a full hearing -- essentially a trial by a jury of students and faculty.

Because the consequences of a liquor-law violation can be serious even if police aren't involved, students facing potential discipline may wish to consult an experienced defense lawyer. While a lawyer can't guarantee that you'll beat the charges, at least you'll have a professional advocate on your side.

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